Joan Abirye: “Club support has been vital during this pandemic”

by Agnes Amondi 

Ugandan international and Vihiga Queens midfielder Joan Abirye is still in Kenya despite the Kenya Women’s Premier League (KWPL) being cancelled as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.

Although she reckoned that it’s difficult for her to be away from home at this time, she said that her clubs’ management has been totally supportive during this time.

“They pay rent for me, provide whatever I might be lacking. I really appreciate because in this situation many foreign players are suffering but I am good.”

“It’s really a difficult situation but I have managed to observe the rules and regulations stated by the government of Kenya and the Ministry of Health about protection from coronavirus.” The Ugandan said.

Abirye agreed that calling off the league was the right decision but also admitted that she was disappointed. The 2020 season was to present her first taste of Kenyan football but it never came to be due to the COVID-19 situation that brought the sporting world to a stop.

KWPL was scrapped after the first round of games. Defending champions Vihiga Queens didn’t take to the field at all as their opening match was pushed back because some of its players were away on international duty.

“Due to the coronavirus outbreak, I think it was a right decision for the League to be cancelled. On the other hand it’s disappointing because it is my season here and I was really looking forward to playing for my new team.  That said, I am still strong and hope everything will return to normal soon.” Abirye said.

Meanwhile, the midfielder has been following a personal exercise routine which includes jogging, home workouts and ball work. She admitted that personal training is completely different from group training as the intensity is lower than the forme. Also, the club has been engaging with the players throughout this period.

“I have been doing some personal training like jogging, home workouts and wall ball work to keep my fitness.”

“Personal training is kind of light because when I feel like tired I immediately take a break unlike the usual training.”